Kuwait

Politics and Government

Form of government: Constitutional monarchy

Prime Minister: Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah (2019)

Executive branch: The Emir of Kuwait is the country’s head of state and exercises executive authority through his ministers, while the Prime Minister is the head of government and is appointed by the Emir. The rule of the country is hereditary in the family of Al-Sabah but the any new Emir chosen must be confirmed by the National Assembly. Members of the Council of Ministers are nominated by the Prime Minister and appointed by the Emir. Each minister may be entrusted with leading one or more ministries. The Emir has the final say in defence matters and no law can be passed without his consent.

Legislative branch: Legislative authority is vested in the Emir and the National Assembly. The National Assembly is unicameral body comprised of 65 members, of which 50 are elected for a 4-year term and 15 cabinet ministers who sit as ex officio members. Elected members of the National Assembly may also serve as ministers, in which case the number of ex officio members is reduced accordingly. The National Assembly debates policies and government programs, passes laws and may withdraw its confidence from any member of the Council of Ministers, except the Prime Minister.

Judicial branch: The judiciary is administered by the Supreme Judicial Council, which nominates judges who are then appointed by the Emir. Kuwait’s court system has three levels of courts: Courts of First Instance form the base of the system while Courts of Appeal serve as courts of appeal in the intermediate and final stages of litigation. The Court of Cassation is the state’s highest court and is divided into Commercial, Civil and Criminal Boards. Kuwait also has a Constitutional Court comprised of five judges selected by the Supreme Judicial Council and appointed by the Emir.

Parliamentary parties: Formally, no political parties exist but political blocs are formed within the National Assembly.